PLAYER TO WATCH: C Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks' top playmaker heads into his contract year coming off the worst statistical season of his decorated career. The NHL and Olympic champion needs a huge season with Corey Perry, who's also heading for free agency.

OUTLOOK: Anaheim bolstered its defense with Allen and Souray, but largely kept its offense intact despite last season's disappointments. Even with few changes, the Ducks believe their star-studded veteran roster should be in the playoff hunt again

DETROIT:

LAST SEASON: 48-28-6, 102 points. Lost to Nashville 4-1 in first round.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Brunner. The 26-year-old rookie led the Swiss league with 60 points last season. He might get a lot of chances to produce on a line with Henrik Zetterberg, a teammate overseas during the lockout, and Pavel Datsyuk.

OUTLOOK: Without Lidstrom and Stuart on the blue line, extending the franchise's postseason streak to 22 will be quite a challenge. The Red Wings, though, have a shot to be better offensively and in net with a series of subtle moves after failing to make a splash in the summer when free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter turned down their offers to play together in Minnesota.